Heya, everybody! What is up?! Fen here for another exciting chapter of Kamen Rider Agito: Rekka no Ken! Lyn's Arc is done, but Kurogasa's journey is just beginning! So we're gonna head right into a little interlude chapter that I got planned for you guys! Also, a little surprise is waiting! Let's go! Henshin!
Disclaimer: Same thing.
"Alright, you whelps! I suggest you leave me be or this woman's good as dead!" the large bandit growled, holding an aristocrat teenage girl in his arms.
"Great… just because I killed off a bunch of your guys that tried to rob this large mansion, doesn't mean you have to be that desperate…" I deadpanned.
"Please, save me!" she cried out, as the bandit kept his dagger close to her chest.
"You shut up girl! Stay where you are!" the leader growled. Turning his attention to me, he threatened, "You! One false move and it's a skewer to this girl's heart!"
"Don't worry, I'll get you out of this mess." I said to the girl, to which she nodded.
"Do you have something in mind?" one of the local monks that's helping me in this situation asked. Oh, by the way, I'm in Storm Form, since I had to beat another Lord along the way, so yeah… this is my sub–mission.
"I got something." I said.
"Drop your weapon!" he demanded, pulling the hostage close to him, making her cry even louder. "That weapon of yours would make me strong!"
"You want it? You can have it!" I said, throwing the Storm Halberd towards him.
"Heh, heh, heh! With this, I shall be unstoppable!" the leader grinned, closing in on the Storm Halberd. As soon as he bent down to get it, his eyes were wide, not being able to carry it. "What the–?! What's with this cursed lance?!"
"HYAH!" I shouted, as I rushed in and kicked the bandit in the face, and the teenaged girl ran for it.
"GAH!" The leader cried out in pain, as he stumbled back before I grabbed my Storm Halberd again.
"So, tell me one good reason why I shouldn't kill you now?" I asked, pointing my Storm Halberd at him.
"P–Please, spare me!" he cried out, now getting on his knees.
"That's what I thought." I said, putting down my weapon. "Now, you're coming with me. I got a bounty to collect. And don't even get any funny ideas of trying to escape. You saw what I can do with this lance, right?"
"Y–Yes!" the leader begged, on all fours as the local monk approached us and tied the bandit's arms on the back.
"Well, that takes care of that." I sighed. Turning my attention to the scared teenage girl, I de–transformed and kneeled before her. "Are you okay?"
*POW!*
I was caught off guard, as the said girl suddenly hugged me tightly, crying in fear. And of course, I'm blushing due to a foreign girl approaching me, as usual.
"I was so scared! I was so scared!" she cried, buried her face in my shoulder while hugging me.
"Don't worry, everything's going to be okay." I said, as I petted her hair. "You're alright. The bad man won't hurt you anymore."
"Shall we get going, Kurogasa?" the monk asked, holding a rope in hand. "I believe it's time to give this man proper justice and return this girl back to her family."
"Yeah. Let's go." I nodded.
Once, dragons and men coexisted.
They shared a peace forged in wisdom, a peace that lasted many generations.
All was lost when mankind disrupted this balance in a sudden onslaught.
Man fought dragon in a savage war that shook the foundations of their world.
This war was called The Scouring.
Defeated and humbled, dragons vanished from the realm.
In time, man rebuilt and spread his dominion across the land and on the islands beyond.
A millennium has passed since those dark days ended.
Chapter 10x: Old and New Comrades
"Whew… another good payday for me." I sighed in relief as I sat on the edge of the fountain, looking inside the bag of gold coins I got.
It's been six months since I departed from Caelin, continue my training as Agito. Throughout my journey, I came across a lot of Lords that tried to kill those who had the Seed of Agito in them. I can see why my inner voice, which turned out to be a female voice after learning more of her, told me to go on an adventure. The Overlord of Darkness wasn't kidding around when he said he wanted to kill every single Seedling in this continent. Sure, many have died in their arms, as I was unable to save them, but at the very least, by killing one of them, I can still save hundreds of them around me.
I've traveled to many places throughout Elibe. In order to make a living, I temporarily stopped being a tactician and becoming a part-time mercenary. I first started out in Bern, the largest country in Elibe. It was known as for its famed wyverns and military might. I had my share of experience of encountering one when I was looking for an eagle's nest around there. Man, I nearly lost my head off, if it wasn't for a trainer that wanted to follow me along, but still, I can't find any eagles or its nest, so I had to travel to another place to find it.
So I hoped to find one in the country of Etruria, since it was founded by St. Elimine herself, although I wasn't able to travel that deep into the country, because when the voice in my head told me to go there… the people of cloth voluntarily offer themselves to travel with me each time I visited a village and I can even tell while most of them are in awe with my presence, a few Clerics have fallen in love with me at first sight. Well, I got Lyn for starters, well… not really, since I'm still working on that, and two… okay, there's only one reason.
Anyways, moving on. After unsuccessfully traveling to Etruria, I hoped to find some eagles in Sacae. I would ask the locals around if they have found any eagle feathers, and they pointed me in the directions of the Taliver mountains, home to the Taliver Bandits who killed Lyn's tribe, so I didn't dare go there.
So now I traveled to the country of Illia known for its Pegasus Knights and the Pegasi that roam there, but it was freezing cold! Good grief, how could anyone survive through all that snow and ice?! Just by that, i can already tell the birds are impossible to find there, let alone any animals there! But still, at least it's still worth it for me to travel there, as I was able to find a place where a few Lords gathered and I was able to exterminate them before they could even began their game on the villagers. Of course… while I was leaving, the Pegasi decided to give me a farewell gift… by kicking me with their hinds legs since they don't let any man get close to them. Ow…
So next, I went over to the Western Isles which were rich in minerals and resources, although piracy and banditry often occurs in the country. Since the Western Isles are waterlocked and isolated from other countries, it is hard for even Etruria to keep a firm grasp on the law of the land and with its intricate system of small islands, and it makes a perfect haven for pirates to do their bidding. There has also been a rumor where a Lord kills them during nighttime and they would even kill a normal being because those Lords felt like they're at the top of the food chain. What did I do with it? Simple, really. Search and destroy. End of story.
Eventually, I returned back to Elibe and headed over to the Nabata Desert, and boy, was it hot. It was a complete opposite of Ilia. I can remember how much sweat I had when I first got here. And to be honest, I nearly got lost a few times, if it weren't for finding flying vultures in the sky. It was a one shot thing and as I trusted my instincts, I eventually managed to find a village just as I ran out of food and water.
After I continued my travels of taking care of the remaining Lords at the desert, which is actually hard to find, I've reached a city, located between the borders of Nabata Desert and Lycia. There I restocked all of my supplies again.
"Alright, where to next?" I asked, as I looked at a map. As I scratched my head, I grumbled. "I still need to find an eagle's nest to get a feather without killing them. If Lyn finds out I killed them to get it, I bet she must be upset."
"You are truly determined to find one, yes?" she said, as my left eye glowed gold.
"Yeah. I want to prove my love to Lyn, the right way." I said.
"What about showing her your diary during your travels?" she added. "She might have been interested on what you've done throughout, after all."
"But she can't read my writing though. It's from my country."
"You may use it as a reference of your tale. For your beloved one and soon–to–be future children." she said, making me blushed a bit when I think about it.
"Uh, well… when you put it that way…" I got out and I heard her giggle.
"Love is truly a blessing, isn't it? It is the sole reason why you are able to face harsh trials."
"I guess you have a point there." I said.
"And so do your admirers." she added, giggling a bit more. I guess the more time I spent with my inner voice, the more I learned of her being able to express herself a lot more, including her teasing me. "You have many admirers along the way, some who are even more beautiful than your precious loved one, child."
"But Lyn is the only one for me." I pointed out. "I'm not going to cheat on her anytime soon."
"I know, child. Your inner thoughts are pure as I read them. She is the only person you have in mind and I can tell how deeply you thought of her every single night." she assured me. "Well now, I think you have enough time resting. Shall we get going? It would seem you can't find the eagle feather here as well…"
"I guess so." I sighed, but as I got up–
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!"
"What was that?!" I suddenly got up, as my face frowned a bit.
"A Lord, perhaps… or the same bandit group that tried to avenge their leader…" she assumed.
"Whatever it is, it's not good." I said, before I ran towards the scene.
"SEEDLINGS! Die!"
Yep, it's the usual Lord. When I arrived at the scene. I couldn't believe what of Lord it was. It was an Eagle Lord! Its head was shaped like an eagle, with a muscular body that was brown and toned. It had a loin cloth between its legs, which were actually reminiscent to that of actual eagle talons. And on its arms… were feathers! Actual eagle feathers! And they were golden too! In its hand was a double–bladed sword.
"Oh well… another day, another kill…" I groaned.
"If I may ask…" she said.
"What's up?"
"You are in search of an eagle feather, yes?"
"Yeah, and?"
"This is the first time you've encountered an Eagle Lord, correct?"
"What's your point?"
"Wouldn't it be wise to collect its feather after you defeated it? As I recall, she wanted you to collect a feather for her but she didn't mentioned anything about how you'd get it."
…
…
…
…
*facepalm*
"Am I not wrong?" she asked. Man, she's really wise about these things…
"You're right…" I sighed.
"Do not worry. I'm sure she wouldn't mind even if you did tell her. You are keeping your promise after all."
"I guess it's time to kick some butt…" I grumbled, as the Alter Ring appeared on my waist. "Henshi–"
"I don't think so!" A new voice said as a new figure… ran towards the Eagle Lord?!
"Hm? Who is that armored man?" she asked, as I seemed to notice the armor he wore. It was definitely similar to that of Kamen Rider Kuuga, the first Heisei Rider. If it were Kuuga, I would describe him as him wearing a black bodysuit. His chest plate would've been red and looked similar to a muscular chest. The collar of the chest armor would have ancient inscriptions on it. The shoulder pads would've been pure red and rounded. And his helmet would've been mostly black but with red eyes and a golden set of horns above it. The mouth plate would be silver with mandible–like markings on it and he would've worn gold bands around his wrists and ankles with gold pads on his knees.
But no. This armor was all blue with silver highlights. And the lenses were orange and the antennae were small and mechanical. It even had the police symbol from the Agito show.
This was Kamen Rider G3–X!
"Huh?!" the Eagle Lord looked at him, after killing another Seedling. G3–X slashed its body, making sparks on him fly without trouble.
"Alright, birdie! That's enough meat for one day!" G3–X exclaimed, wielding his jutte and short sword known as Guard Acceler and GS–03 Destroyer. And for some reason, I recognized the user's voice too.
"No way… it can't be… Hiroji, is that you?!" I asked shocked.
"Huh?" he paused from attacking, turning his attention to me and… taking a few steps back? "Whoa! Kurogasa, buddy! Is that you?!"
"Yeah, it is me! What the heck are you doing here in this world?!"
"The funny thing is… hold that thought." he stopped me, focusing back onto the Eagle Lord… who ran away. "Hey, get back here, you birdbrain!"
"You know him?" She asked.
"Yeah, a good friend of mine." I said. "I don't know how he got to this world though."
"Is that the rumored bug–eyed warrior?" I heard the whispers from other citizens, as they gazed on Hiroji.
"He's the one that must have exterminate the bandits around the area!" another one got out, making me pale for some reason.
"Is something the matter, child?" she asked.
"Uh… I don't know." I got out. "For some reason… I did all the heavy lifting, yet he's the one being praised…"
"I see. But for now, should we do something about it?"
"R–Right. I gotta go after him!" I said before running towards Hiroji. "Oi Hiroji! Wait up!" I shouted.
"I hear there is another armored warrior traveling here…" Karel stopped, looking at the view. "If Agito is a worthy opponent, then this armored man would quench my blade's thirst… but if Agito is here, I cannot wait to fight him." and with that, he continued to walk into the city.
"Hey, come back here!" G3–X exclaimed, as both of us continued to chase the flightless Eagle Lord around… and when I say it was flightless, I meant that I gave him his gun and he shots its wings mercilessly, crippling it down. Oh, and I'm in my Ground Form.
"I must run!" the Eagle Lord growled, continue to run through the crowd.
"This isn't great, man!" G3–X grimaced. "I can't get a clear shot with that thing running between these people! And I can't believe you of all people would become Agito!"
"Not the time!" I cringed, noticing the Eagle Lord rushing towards… a swordswoman?! "Hey, miss! Look out!"
"Hm?" she said, turning her attention to me, only to realize the Eagle Lord was lunging for the kill.
"A Seedling! DIE!"
*SLASH!*
"…" she remained standing still, flicking her sword from that quick slash. Eventually–
"GAAAAH!" it roared in pain, as sparks of electricity sparked on its chest.
"Whoa… check her out!" G3–X got out, impressed by her skills.
"What's the matter, child?" she asked, as my left lense flickered.
"For some reason… her moves are similar…" I muttered.
"Hey, why are you standing around here for?! Let's kill that thing!" G3–X exclaimed, running towards the fallen Eagle Lord.
"U–Uh, right!" I said, before I ran towards the Eagle Lord. "I just gotta pluck a feather from this bird…!" I said.
"Huh?" he blinked, as I pressed my knee across its chest, forcing the Eagle Lord down.
"What are you doing?!" it roared, as I plucked the biggest feather I could find on its shoulders. "OW!"
"Dude… what are you doing?" G3–X asked me.
"Long story! Finish it off!" I said as I jumped away.
"Alrighty! I got dibs on killing it!" he grinned, leaping up high and stabbed both his jutte and sword through its chest.
"GAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH!" it roared in pain, as a familiar halo appeared above its head. And–
*BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM!*
"And that's the end of Michael Finnegan!" he joked, patting off the soot on his armor. "Boy, that took a lot out of me… and this armor is as heavy as ever…"
"That's gonna be a while for you then." I said as I went back to civilian form.
"Yep, I eventually got the hang of it… I think…" he added, taking off his helmet to let me see his facial features. He had spiky black hair having several bangs framing the sides of his face and had red eyes. In fact, one would say that he looked like Zack from Final Fantasy VII.
"It really is you." I smiled, before going up to him and gave him a brotherly hug. "Man, I thought I was gonna be alone in this world."
"Me too, dude!" he added, replied back with a brotherly hug as well. "What happened to ya? You've gotten tanner than usual and… what's with that cut on your chest?"
"W–What cut?" I stuttered.
"That cut. Just between the gaps of your shirt." he said, bravely approaching me and opened it, revealing my scar.
"Hey, watch it!" I snapped, backing off from him.
"That's some scar." he cringed. "If looks can be deceiving, you could've died from it."
"Y–Yeah… in fact I almost did die from it. And it's still painful from time to time…" I muttered, holding my chest.
"Are you serious?!" Hiroji asked incredulously.
"Yeah…" I cringed, holding my chest a bit tighter. "Karel was the man who placed this scar on me."
"I see… so you are the one that survived his fatal blows."
"Huh?" I said, as both of us turned our attention to see the same woman that helped us. The woman in his question was no doubt beautiful. She had long flowing black hair that fell to her waist, the bangs of her hair covering her forehead. She wore a long white robe with a blue collar, and a blue sash wrapped around her waist. She had a leg slits on both sides up to her thigh, and wears tan boots.
"I'm sorry, who are you?" I asked.
"Forgive me for my rudeness." she apologized. "I am Karla, as people called me the Sword Princess. I am the Sword Demon's sister."
"WHAT?!" I asked shocked, as my eyes widened in fear and took several steps back. "Y–You're that monster's–!"
"Peace." she replied calmly, with her right hand motioning in defense. "I do not wish to harm you, unlike my brother."
"How can we be so sure about that?" Hiroji raised his eyebrow.
"A Sacaean does not lie." she replied. "Will you trust me, warrior?"
"I…" I panted. "I…"
"I understand if you do not trust me, a stranger." she replied calmly. "Unlike my brother, I detest fighting. I would only resort to it when I am cornered. Does that ease your worries?"
"I suppose…" I muttered. Karla then walked towards me, placing her hand on my scar. "What are you–"
"My brother has scarred you deeply, hasn't he…" Karla said, her voice and face looking… sad… As her finger traced along the lines of my scar, she added, "Tsubame Mai. The killing blow that none has ever survived. This is the first time I've seen someone that actually lived to tell the tale… but make no mistake, my brother would eventually seek you out, warrior…"
"Karla…" I muttered.
"I want to help you. Allow me to atone for my brother's sins by protecting you from him." Karla offered, helping me button my shirt back. "I do not want to see his ambition of killing those who would befall on his Wo Dao."
"…" I remained silent for a while before I said, "I guess I was wrong to judge you. You're not like your brother…"
"Many thanks…" she smiled a bit. Then, a frown appeared on her face, as she added, "And it is my duty to stop my brother too. He has killed my siblings and our parents, just to attain our ancestral weapon…"
"He what?" I gasped.
"That's just wrong!" Hiroji snapped.
"I know… he spared me because he didn't see me as a threat at the time." Karla said. "Now, I am on a mission to hunt him and stop him, no matter the cost. Even if it costs my very life. I know my chances of finding him are high if he hunts you."
"So now he's bait?" Hiroji raised an eyebrow.
"If you want to put it that way, yes." Karla said.
"That's… not reassuring." I got out.
"Believe me, after what my brother did to you, I do not wish to use you like that." Karla said sadly. "But it is the only way. So I offer you this again, allow me to atone for my brother's sins by protecting you from him."
I remained silent once again, looking at her calm, yet determined look on her. She really wants to end this rivalry, isn't she?
"I found you at last… Agito."
Shoot, no!
The three of us turned around to see Karel standing in front of us.
"Karel…" Karla muttered, immediately getting in front of me as she drew her sword.
"Karla… my dear little sister…" Karel frowned. "I see that you've grown."
"And you haven't changed at all, brother!" Karla seethed. "I will not allow you to harm this warrior! You have scarred him too deep!"
"Scarring him or not, matters not to me." Karel said, drawing out his Wo Dao. "Move, Karla. I have an unfinished business with him… and that new warrior."
"Who, me?" Hiroji blinked, pointing at himself.
"I heard whispers in the wind." Karel said. "There is another warrior donned in a strange armor, where not even their swords or arrows cannot penetrate through your armor. They also claimed that your weapons emitted anima magic that cuts armor with ease. This blade beckons for your blood."
"Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, hold it buddy, I'm not anyone's target practice!" Hiroji said.
"Say what you want. But either way, I shall settle everything, right here… right now!" Karel exclaimed, as Karla noticed his sudden disappearance, quickly parrying it with her own sword. "Move, Karla!"
"Never!" she cried out, as both of them exchanged blows in a rapid manner. My eyes can't keep up with them. "I told you before, I will not let you harm him!"
"Then, you are another nuisance I must get rid of…" he growled, as the swordplay went faster and faster.
"Yeesh, she sure knows how to put up a fight, huh, Kurogasa?" he raised his eyebrow, being in awe with her quick defense. I stayed quiet as I watched the two siblings fight. Blow for blow, parry for parry, these two weren't letting up on their attacks, but it was only going to be a matter of time. As I watched the fight, I imagined Lyn fighting Karel. Seeing this, made my blood slowly boil.
"No… I'm not letting it happen." I muttered as I quickly had the Alter Ring materialize.
"Huh? What do you mean by that?" he blinked, looking at me, as I got into my pose.
"Henshin!" I shouted before assuming Ground Form and charged in.
"!" Karel noticed my advance, quickly slashing her away and got some distance before he blocked my punches and kicks with his Wo Dao. "So, you're going to fight me now?"
"Warrior! Stand aside!" Karla exclaimed. "This is my fight!"
"It's my fight too, Karla!" I said. "I'm not letting my fears get the best of me! He's humiliated me long enough, and my scar is a reminder of that, but no more! I'm not letting him win!" I then pressed both solver buttons again and the Flame Saber and Storm Halberd came out before I wielded them. "It's time that I used my courage and fear!" At that point, fire and electricity surrounded me in a pillar as Karel and Karla backed off.
"Whoa! That's intense!" Hiroji shouted, as he backed off too.
"…" Karel remained silent, as both of my left and right arms changed color, corresponding to my forms.
"Warrior?" Karla looked at me, seeing my arms changed colors to red and blue.
"Cool! Trinity Form!" Hiroji grinned.
"I see you have finally mustered the courage to fight now." Karel said, as a smirk can be seen on his face. "Very well! I shall no longer hold back, Agito! You will die now!"
"Bring it!" I challenged as I charged in at Karel with my weapons. I slashed with both of my weapons and fire and electricity were sent towards Karel. As it came to him, he easily slashed it away and quickly closed in on me, as his Wo Dao slashed my Flame Saber. I tried to thrust my Storm Halberd on him, but I only hit his mirage and realized he came from another direction. Instincts took over, as I quickly jumped up high, with the assistance of the Storm Halberd's wind wrapped around me.
"I see you learned new tricks after our last encounter!" he said, as his bloodlust grin appeared.
"And here's another!" I said, as I managed to strike the tips of both ends of the Storm Halberd with the Flame Saber like a flint and fire wrapped around the blades of the Storm Halberd imbued with electricity before I twirled the Storm Halberd around and threw it towards him.
"!" he noticed, raising his sword up and letting my Storm Halberd graze across his sword before it landed behind him. I can see some smoke emitted on his sword hand, all due to the electricity traveling through his steel sword. Some of the flames landed on his clothes too, leaving a small charred mark on it. "That's it! Come at me with everything you got, Agito!"
"HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!"
"UWAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRGGGGGHHHHHHH!"
Both of us shouted in unison, as both of our swords clashed. A strong blast emitted from the collision, sending a ring of fire around us. This caused some of the fire landed on the houses and the civilians around us started running away.
"Why…?" Karla asked, as Karel and I continued to exchange blows. "Why is he still fighting? He is still no match for my brother…"
"Gh!" I gritted, taking a step back after receiving a cut on my chest.
"Don't fall back now!" he growled, as he also received a burning cut on his arm. "Satisfy my bloodlust, Agito!"
"You want it? You got it!" I snarled as my crest split into six and somehow I managed to throw the Storm Halberd in the air and an electrical wind surrounded us. I then somehow split the Flame Saber into two, now dual wielding. But I had something else in mind. During these past six months, I've been training to let the Seed of Agito bloom in me, so I can attain many possibilities. And this possibility came in the form of me, fusing the Flame Sabers again and the weapons shining briefly before fading to become a Buster Sword version of the Flame Saber.
"I will show you my skills in return for your brave front!" he exclaimed, as silhouettes formed around me once again.
"Oh no!" Karla noticed. "He's serious! He's going to go all out with that move!"
"Not this time…" I muttered, before… I shined and disappeared as well.
"KIKEN: TSUBAME MAI!"
"LIMIT BREAK: OMNISLASH!"
*CRASH! CRASH! CRASH! CRASH! CRASH!*
"Whoa!" Hiroji flinched, as both Karel and I really went all out. More sparks of flames spurred out and electricity sparked as Karel and I clashed blades. However, Karel was only black to block five of my slashes. I managed to kick him in the gut, sending him flying before I slashed him in different directions.
*SLASH! SLASH! SLASH! SLASH! SLASH! SLASH! SLASH! SLASH! SLASH–SLASH! SLASH! SLASH–SLASH–SLASH!*
"GAH!" Karel roared, now landing on his back with multiple cuts and bruises all over his body.
"That's impossible!" Karla was shocked, seeing her brother fall on his back.
"That's the specialty of my buddy." he grinned. "He's just too stubborn to give up."
"HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH?!" I shouted as I was above him with my Buster Sword sized Flame Saber up and it glowed brightly before I brought it down. "SORYAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"
"!" he noticed, as he quickly got up and quickly sheathed his sword once again. I was just inches away from swinging my killing blow on him… and I noticed he managed to calm down and closed his eyes again? "Kiken: Tsubame Gaeshi!"
*SLASH!*
Both of us are now back–to–back, as I kneeled down and he just drawed out his Wo Dao. Nothing happened at first… until–
*GUUUUUUUUUUUUSSSSSSSSSSHHH!*
"GAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHH!" both of us shouted in unison, seeing gushes of blood shoot out from our chests. Both of us received multiple cuts all over our body, and I still have no idea how in the world his single draw managed to inflict cuts all over my body again, to the point of my armor nearly breaking down!
"KURO!" Hiroji shouted as he and Karla rushed over to me.
"Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaargh! Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh! Gahhhhhhh!" I writhed in pain.
"Stay calm!" Karla yelled as she tried to hold me down and lessen my pain.
"Impossible… it's not possible!" Karel snarled as he managed to get up, while limping and having blood patches all over his clothes. Clutching on his chest, he gritted, "He was only a greenhorn when I first fought him… how could he excel through this trial within nearly a year?! Gah!" he gritted, coughing out blood from his mouth.
"Damn it, man! Keep quiet, will you?!" Hiroji snapped, forcing me to stay still. "We're in the middle of a burning village, y'know?!"
"Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr… I will have my revenge Agito! Next time, I will definitely kill you!" Karel snarled before he limped away, finding someone to treat his wounds. As for me, I went back to civilian form and passed out.
"That was reckless of you, child."
I didn't have a choice. It's kill or be killed. Man, Wallace was right: war is really an ugly sight.
"But at the very least, you have the courage to face your fears now." she comforted me. "You should be proud of yourself, as you are grown to be a reliable Agito in my eyes."
Thank you. That means a lot to me.
"Think nothing of it. It is all because of your efforts. I am only here to guide you when you are at a loss. Now go, your friends are waiting."
I slowly opened my eyes and the first thing I saw was that it was nighttime. I was in a room with only a candle for light and Karla was next to my bedside, while Hiroji was sleeping on the floor snoring loudly.
"Ughh…" I groaned.
"Do not move." Karla suddenly held down my shoulders, stopping me from getting up. "Your stitches are still fresh…"
"Stitches…?" I got out as I looked down and noticed that there were stitches all over my body, especially a rather large one that went across my previous scar. Oh man, it's gonna be painful when they're taken out.
"Thank Mother Earth and Father Sky you are able to live…" Karla let out a sigh of relief, sitting back on her chair. "For nearly a week, you are bedridden, Kurogasa."
"A week?" I got out.
"Yes. I'm surprised that you somehow managed to best my brother."
"It was… more of a draw." I said.
"Still, I'm impressed." Karla smiled a bit. "Never in my life have I saw someone would beat my brother in a draw, even if it's just a fluke."
"Thanks…" I said, before cringing in pain from my chest wound.
"Stay still." she told me.
"I know, but it's getting uncomfortable." I cringed, as it's official. I got an 'X' scar on my chest.
"Let me help you." Karla said as she managed to help to me sit up on my bed, all the while that I was cringing in pain. Karla then sat next to me on the bed, as she took out a small container of some sort of green paste. "This should ease the pain. This paste was made the grasses and herbs of Sacae." She then opened up the container and took some of the paste before rubbing it on my chest.
"Ergh…" I hissed in pain, having one eye shut tight.
"The pain is only momentary, Kurogasa. Please bear with it." she told me, as she continued to apply it on my chest. "…It is truly a miracle for you…"
"What do you mean by that?"
"The cut on your chest cleanly cut off your flesh…" she added. "Before the treatment, the physician was surprised to see that the cut was wide. So wide, your ribs were nearly cut in half and… they said they saw your beating heart…"
"R–Really?"
"Yes…" Karla said, with a sad look on her face as she finished putting the ointment and stowed it away. "Then… during your treatment, your heart… stopped. Twice."
"What?" I gasped.
"I feared for your life. I felt like blaming myself for getting you involved with my brother. If it weren't for your friend with his assortment of weapons to 'jumpstart' your heart due to your loss of blood, the physicians would have declared you dead…" she added.
"No way…" I got out.
"Please Kurogasa… I beg of you to not put yourself in harm's way." Karla said, as she looked at me with her sad eyes and… tears were threatening to fall. "I could never forgive myself if you were killed at the hands of my brother."
"Karla…" I got out, realizing how much she resembled Lyn a lot, especially when it came to my condition.
"And if you died, then… your friend would be devastated."
"Hiroji would be pissed off if–"
"No… not him…" she shook her head lightly. "The one that gave you that necklace."
I gasped lightly at that. "Lyn?"
"I see… so that's her name." she muttered. "I can tell that necklace belonged to a Sacaean. She has entrusted you with this necklace until you return to her side."
"Y–Yeah. I love her and… I guess she would be devastated if I were to die…" I muttered.
"That's why I'm telling you to not put yourself in harm's way." Karla said as she suddenly rested her head on my chest, making me blush. "Do you want your loved one to cry for your death?"
"…No. I don't want her to cry for me…" I muttered. I can't imagine Lyn crying for my death. "Say… where's–"
"He disappeared…" she cut off. "After the battle, I do not know of his whereabouts. It is possible he is mending his wound. But he will continue to seek stronger opponents… and someday, you, as well."
"…"
"So please…" She said as her hand caressed my face dearly. "Let me protect you from him."
I remained in silence, as she was really determined to stop him. I can't really blame her, though… Karel is really living up to his name as the Sword Demon. "I understand… but I can't let you protect me all the time."
"Why?" she looked at me.
"Because he sees me as a potential rival, a worthy opponent to die by his sword." I said. Just before she could counter, I stopped her by placing my forefinger at her lips, continuing, "As a man with pride, I have to answer his call, whether I like it or not. If there is someone that can stop his madness, it would be me. I know you want to stop him yourself, but there's a time where a man fights with everything they got, I would do the same to him. Just so that he would be satisfied with that proper defeat, knowing both he and his opponent had given their everything in that battle."
"Kurogasa…" Karla muttered before she rested her head on my chest again. "You are a stubborn fool, you know that?"
"I know. I get that a lot, especially from Lyn." I chuckled, wincing in pain.
"Then, she is either a complete fool waiting for such a reckless man… or lucky to have fallen in love with you for your dedication…" she added.
"Maybe it's a bit of both." I chuckled again.
"Fool…" Karla giggled. "You should rest now. You need it."
"Sure, but… can we stay like this? I kinda like it."
"I do not know of your intention…" she said, remaining still. "But if it's to help you ease your pain, then so be it."
"I just feel… comfortable like this." I said. "To be honest, you kinda remind me of a certain Cleric that used to do this to me."
"Oh? Is she someone important to you as well? This certain Cleric?"
"Yeah… she's like a sister to me." I smiled fondly. "And seeing you care for me like this, I hope you don't mind me calling you a sister too."
"It feels… strange being called that…" she replied. "It has been a long time since I've heard someone refer to me as their sister."
"Well, we can start now, right? Nee–san?" I said.
"Nee–san? What title is that, Kurogasa?" she asked, confused by the term as she looked at me.
"It means big sister in my native language. In a more respective and caring kind of way." I explained. "As for the Cleric, I call her Onee–chan meaning big sister too, but in a cute way."
"I wish… to see this 'Onee–chan' of yours." Karla noted.
"You will… one day." I replied. "But for now, a certain Nee–san needs to take care of me."
"And take care of you… I shall… little one." she smiled a bit.
BGM: Brand–New World by Shiena Nishizawa
It has been a grueling month of healing and thanks to the constant healing of a visiting Clerics and Priests, I was able to get out of the infirmary tent and stretch out. "Boy, after a month of staying in bed, it feels good to move around…"
"As long as you're up and running, it's all good!" Hiroji grinned, seeing him in his casual clothing of an orange shirt with brown pants, followed by long brown boots.
"Yes, and you are now fully recovered, I suggest a little exercise would do fine, yes?" Karla said, or should I say Nee–san.
"I guess so." I nodded.
"So, where are you going after this, Kuro?" Hiroji asked.
"Where else? To find the Lords and beat them. And also, find out more about the origins of Agito in this world." I said. "How about you two join me?"
"Hm?" Nee–san looked at me. "What do you mean?"
"I mean… I need your help. Being alone for six months is not easy and… I kinda feel a bit lonely…" I said, embarrassed.
"Sure! Why not?" Hiroji agreed, wrapping his arms around my shoulder. "I got nothing else to do, anyways! After finding you, I feel like we can take on anything… well, that is if I got all of the equipment…"
"I gave you my word, little one." Nee–san said. "A Sacaean always keeps their word. I shall follow you until the day my brother stops killing people. Especially if he wants to kill my little Sacaean brother."
"Alrighty! It's settled!" Hiroji grinned, now wrapping his arms on both of us. "Let's jump on my bandwagon and let's get going already! Though… with just one horse of mine, it's gonna be slow to go forward… seeing I had my armor in my small caravan and all…"
"I got a horse, if you wanna know." I told him. "It should give you enough horsepower to move forward. And we should restock some more… and getting another bedroll for my big sister."
"How kind of you." she smiled. "Please, pay no heed on me, little one. I always travel on foot and the place I stay is the place I shall sleep in."
"Nuh–uh, we're getting you a bed roll. Besides, this is a small way of me of saying thank you." I insisted.
"Very well. I cannot refuse your offer." she smiled, leaning on me and pecked my right cheek. Like Serra, I didn't blush much when I first called her my big sister and eventually got the hang of it. "Shall we get going? Our little adventure awaits."
"Follow me to the feels bandwagon!" Hiroji perked up, running happily towards his caravan, followed by Nee–san.
"It would seem that you have new allies to aid you in your quest, child. And you did not turn them down this time." she said.
"I didn't. Because they're family. And when it comes to family, we always stay together and work things out together." I smiled a bit.
"I see. Be sure to keep that feather you've obtained in its pristine shape." she reminded me. "You might need it for your beloved one."
"I will." I said, as I looked up at the clear sky. Wait for me, Lyn. I promise to come back to you.
"He~y! C'mon! Let's get going already!" Hiroji called me out, as he was already in his caravan along with Nee–san.
"Alright, alright, I'm coming!" I laughed as I ran over to them.
"…" Nee–san remained silent, but still keeping the sisterly smile at me.
I can tell things would be getting interesting from here on out.
End BGM
PREVIEW:
Man #1: Lord Eliwood, we leave on your word.
Eliwood: Mother, it's time for us to go.
Man #2: The village is under attack! It's bandits!
Girl #1: If it pleases you, milord, I would rather fight. I hunt almost every day, and I have some skill with a bow.
Man #3: Look, Dorcas! Can you believe it? It's just like that knight said! That's Lord Eliwood!
Kurogasa: Hey Eliwood, long time no see.
Next Time on Kamen Rider Agito: Rekka no Ken: Taking Leave
Eliwood: Kurogasa… what are you?
And there you have it! Interlude chapter is done! As you saw, another OC Hiroji has appeared as Kamen Rider G3–X! And another surprise, we have Karla joining! Now I bet you're wondering why I have Karla join so early. Well for one, she won't be available until way later in the story. That, and she's only available in Hector's path, so screw that! Mwahahahahahaha!
Secondly, you guys noticed there's no opening and ending theme for this chapter, right? Well, starting on next chapter, we'll be having a new one! So be sure to look forward to it!
And finally! Since this arc is going to be long, I decided to drag another author here… if only I could find a certain beverage… he'd probably come. I better set up a trap until he falls for it. Until then, I'll see you guys on the next chapter!